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Fish Smart

Watch this call to action from fishers to fishers. Listen to your peers: Fishing FSA doesn't pay. Practice Fish Smart! Protect spawning aggregations (FSA) to ensure the next generation of fish. Dive into the behavior of the species that aggregate to spawn in the Caribbean, and witness this spectacular event. Learn about the vital importance of fishers' participation in the decision making process, and the search for alternatives during fishing bans.

Learn More About Your Peers & Contact Them

Big Fish Fisherfolk Network

Welcome to the Big Fish Fisherfolk Network, where fishing enthusiasts of all levels come together to share knowledge, experiences, and camaraderie. Our community embraces everyone from beginners to seasoned anglers, offering a platform to connect through forums, live chats, and local meetups. Whether you’re swapping stories or seeking advice on techniques and gear, our network provides a supportive environment to learn and grow.

Celebrating the GMA Fishers Ambassadors

Since 2004, the Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute has recognized 25 sustainable fishers from 15 countries with the Gladding Memorial Award, honoring Peter Gladding’s legacy and their contributions to their communities and the region. Watch the video to learn about Peter Gladding’s inspiring story and meet these exemplary fisherfolk.

Meet our Heroes!

Commercial species that aggregate to spawn

Meet our Fascinating Fish Species

Learn about the unique characteristics and behaviors of our diverse fish species. From the colorful clownfish to the majestic marlin, each fish has its own story to tell.
A Sustainable Future

Alternative Livelihoods

Exploring alternative livelihoods is a great way to secure additional revenue streams during closed seasons and add income to your fishing activities. Let’s delve into the journey of several fisherfolk who wear many career hats and have successfully secured their livelihoods year-round by expanding their ocean skills and exploring new activities linked to the sea. 

  • Exploring alternative livelihoods is not to advocate against fishing, but rather to ensure additional sources of income.
  • Fishers’ knowledge and skills are precious assets to build on and expand.
  • Fishers’ generational knowledge is complementary with scientific research. The unlikely partnership of fishers and scientists has been instrumental for sustainable fisheries management and conservation of marine ecosystems.
  • Fisherfolk’s participation in the research, monitoring and decision-making processes are key to management plans that benefit the fishing communities.
  • Capacity-building and funding opportunities are necessary for the success of community-driven conservation projects.
  • Supporting fishers in diversifying their skills is essential for financial resilience during closure seasons.
  • Climate change continues to present challenges for coastal communities. Outreach and shared knowledge will help fishers and other stakeholders to a changing sea.

Through empathy, respect, and love for the sea, let us forge a path towards a sustainable future for all.

Kenworth "Kenny" Martin's Story

Born and bred in a fishing community, Kenny’s bond with the sea began before he could walk. Years spent as a commercial fisherman eventually led him to game fishing at the age of 17, shaping his career path. However, it was through the lens of scuba diving that Kenny confronted the repercussions of his approach to fishing on the marine life and reefs. This revelation ignited a transformation within him. Transitioning into a park ranger role under the Belize Fisheries Department, Kenny now dedicated years of his life to combating IUU fishing. His current work intertwines with scientific research and tourism, serving as a divemaster in scientific and diving expeditions, and tour guide of fly fishing trips . Kenny’s extensive experience grants him a profound understanding of reef ecosystems and the urgent need for conservation measures. He stands as a bridge between various stakeholders, advocating for sustainable practices and resource management. Amidst his relentless pursuit of sustainability, Kenny’s heart remains tethered to the sea, where he continues to fish responsibly.

Divemaster

The role of a Dive Master is not merely about exploration and research; it’s a commitment to understanding better the consequences of our actions and safeguarding our underwater realms. Fisherfolk like Kenny Martin exemplify the blend of rigorous training and heartfelt stewardship necessary to ensure the safety and enjoyment of scientists and recreational divers. Join this field to become the official guide to exploring your underwater world, and make profit from it.

Research Assistant

Join the scientific process! Contribute your extensive local knowledge by working alongside scientists to get the full picture of what’s going on in the water. The Fishers Coop ‘Vigía Chico’ contribute to research, collect data, help monitor, protect vital fish spawning sites, and draw upon both local knowledge and modern methodologies. Like these Mexican fishefolk, you can also get training and expand your knowledge. Your contribution is integral to understanding and safeguarding marine ecosystems.

Tour Guide

Become an advocate of local conservation while leading oceanic expeditions and recreational fishing tours as a tour guide. Through scientific, recreational and immersive experiences, like those guided by Eloy Cuevas, you can make big money, while inspiring visitors to cherish and protect your waters.

Park Ranger

Step into the shoes of a park ranger and join the front lines of local conservation and sustainable fisheries management. By enforcing regulations and working to protect fish spawning aggregation sites, you play a pivotal role in preserving the marine ecosystems that your coastal community depends on. Join the mission to #ProtectYourCatch.

Resources

We hold in high regard your dedication and selflessness inherent in your way of life. You navigate the unpredictable waters, both literally and figuratively, for the sake of sustenance and livelihood. Nobody better than you knows your waters. We learn from you, but we also want to contribute with information on opportunities for you.

Empowered communities can lead the recovery of species. Community-driven conservation can become a reality through capacity building initiatives, that offer you pathways to participate in scientific endeavors, monitoring efforts, and decision-making processes. It’s not fair to ask you to abstain from fishing, without guiding you toward sustainable practices that ensure a bountiful ocean for you, your communities and generations to come.

Training Resources

VIRTUAL FISHERIES ACADEMY – Environmental Defense Fund

Explore the Environmental Defense Fund’s Virtual Fisheries Academy, a sanctuary of knowledge where fishery managers, fishermen, scientists, and others converge to learn and lead in the realm of sustainable fisheries management.

Learn More

THE GULF & CARIBBEAN FISHERIES  PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM – Sea Grant Florida 

Florida Sea Grant offers career development opportunities that promote greater collaboration, synergy, and sharing of knowledge among organizations that manage and promote the sustainability of the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean fisheries.

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TRAIN THE TRAINERS – Coral Reef Alliance

Delve into the Coral Reef Alliance’s diving training opportunities, aimed at monitoring and preserving coral reefs in the Mesoamerican Reef.

 

Learn More

MARITIME TRAINING – Caribbean Fisheries Training & Development Institute

Discover more about the Caribbean Fisheries Training & Development Institute’s maritime courses, designed to equip maritime personnel with the skills needed to navigate any challenge at sea.

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SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS ONLINE COURSE – Reef Resilience Network

Explores a diversity of sustainable livelihood initiatives, the enabling conditions for successful community enterprises, and best practices for fostering robust partnerships with communities

Learn More

Funding Resources

Z SCHOLARSHIP – Mar Alliance

The Mar Alliance Z Scholarship aims to nurture a new generation of marine stewards by empowering the children of fishers. Together, they aim to reverse the tide of decline and foster a legacy of marine conservation.

Learn More

CLIMATE RESILIENT FISHERIES FELLOWSHIP – Sustainable Ocean Alliance

Embark on a journey of resilience with the Sustainable Ocean Alliance’s Climate Resilient Fisheries Fellowship. This program offers grant funding and mentorship opportunities to early-career change-makers and community members striving to safeguard fisheries against the impacts of climate change.

Learn More

NATIONAL COASTAL RESILIENCE FUND

Unlock the door to funding opportunities with the National Coastal Resilience Fund, supporting initiatives that protect and restore marine ecosystems for the benefit of current and future generations.

Learn More

Descending Device

Learn how to recognize fish with barotrauma, and release live fish by using a descending device to promote the survival of fish caught incidentally.

What Are Descending Devices?

A descending device or release device is a tool for releasing fish that do not meet minimum size regulations, have catch regulations or are prohibited from being caught by a closed season. This device consists of a simple weight system aimed at submerging the fish and releasing it at the desired depth, which increases the fish’s chances of survival after release.

About the film SALVAPEJE

Learn how to recognize fish with barotrauma, and release live fish by using a descending device to promote the survival of fish caught incidentally. 

Title: Salvapeje

Region: US Caribbean (PR &USVI)

Year: 2024

Duration: 2 min 45 sec

Purpose: Outreach & Education

Audience: Fisherfolk both, recreational and commercial fishers, between the ages of 20-60 years, that engage in demersal fisheries, including vertical jigging from a vessel in the Caribbean Sea.

Cast:

Anthony Elizo Vargas “Ritmicano” (PR CFMC DAP Member): commercial fisherman.

Marcos Hanke Herrero (PR CMFC DAP), Captain, Fisher & Consultant. Owner of 787 Fishing Charters.

Team:

Direction: Dr. Michelle T. Schärer-Umpierre

Narration: Anthony Elizo Vargas “Ritmicano”

Cinematography & Edition: Raúl O. Ortiz-Arroyo “Pichón Duarte”

Script: Dr. Michelle Schärer-Umpierre, Anthony Elizo,  Pichón Duarte, Cristina Olán

Sound: Ricardo A. Dominguez

Production & Subtitles: Cristina D. Olán-Martínez

Funded by: Caribbean Fishery Management Council (CFMC)

Descending Devices in the Wider Caribbean

Regulations & Use:

There is a Congressional law in the Gulf of Mexico that requires anglers to have descending devices and/or venting tools rigged and ready. The Return ‘Em Right program in the Gulf is increasing awareness and use of descending devices. Learn more about this program here: https://returnemright.org/

 

In the South Atlantic Region (SA), descending devices are required by law to be onboard and ready for use. In the SA, there is a legal requirement for any fisher targeting snapper grouper species to have a descending device ready for use. Learn more: https://safmc.net/best-fishing-practices/

 

Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission has additional information and many “how to” videos. Visit https://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/

 

You can find extensive bibliography here: https://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/

Where Can you Get these Descending Devices?

CFMC Legal Disclaimer

The Caribbean Fishery Management Council does not endorse any of the trademarks or companies selling descending devices. 

  1. Seaqualizer – https://seaqualizer.com/
  2. Online and offline marine specialized stores and tackle shops.
  3. The Caribbean Fisheries Management Council (CFMC): The Council offers the device free for US Caribbean fishers, after receiving the training that is being coordinated by the liaisons officers.

BFI Legal Disclaimer

The Big Fish Initiative does not endorse any of the trademarks or companies selling descending devices. 

FAQ's

What kinds of fishes reproduce by spawning aggregations?

   Many diverse fish species reproduce through spawning aggregations. Most involve marine fishes, including warm-water reef species like snapper and grouper, as well as valuable cold-water species like Atlantic cod. Over 200 marine fish species from more than 40 families form resident or transient spawning aggregations at specific times and locations (Rosemond et al., 2022). Major global fisheries species, such as pollock, cod, capelin, Atlantic mackerel, pilchard, and herring, also spawn this way (FAO, 2014; Sadovy de Mitcheson, 2016). According to SCRFA (2024), over 100 reef fish species, including many groupers, snappers, porgies, surgeonfish, rabbitfish, parrotfish, mullets, and wrasses, aggregate to spawn, highlighting the need for management to sustain these species and their fisheries.

 

   – [FAO] Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN. 2014. www.fao.org/3/a-i3720e.pdf

   – Rosemond et al., 2022. Frontiers in Marine Science. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2022.931409

   – Sadovy de Mitcheson, 2016. BioScience. https://academic.oup.com/bioscience/article/66/4/295/2464056

   – SCRFA website. May 2024. https://www.scrfa.org/aggregations/what-are-aggregations/

How many fishers benefit from fish spawning aggregations in the wider Caribbean and globally?

Hundreds of thousands of fishers benefit from spawning aggregations worldwide. These fisheries are crucial at local, regional, national, and global scales, including species such as pollock, cod, mackerel, sardines, herrings, and reef fishes. The benefits extend to artisanal, recreational, and commercial fishers, and involve complex supply chains including dock and fish-house workers, retailers, and others.

What happens if we continue to fish spawning aggregations without any management?

Overfishing spawning aggregations can severely disrupt fish populations, as seen with the Nassau Grouper, once an abundant species. Uncontrolled fishing of large, fecund individuals significantly reduces the spawning stock, leading to the collapse of productive spawning aggregations at local and potentially regional scales. This unsustainable practice harms the fishery and the broader ecosystem.

How important is each single aggregation to its local fish population?

The importance of a single aggregation to its local fish population is significant. Aggregation sites often concentrate on migratory spawners from broad areas, making them vital for local population sustainability. Unmanaged aggregation fishing reduces the spawning stock, decreasing the production of eggs and larvae and thus the number of juveniles and adults. Single aggregations can be essential for local populations, especially if there are few larvae from other sources to replenish them.

To safeguard FSAs, which is better: spatial (Marine Protected Areas) or seasonal protection?

Effective conservation strategies often involve multiple layers of protection, including catch limits, seasonal limits, and spatial limits (MPAs). The best approach can vary by case. For example, a seasonal MPA may protect a site but not the migratory paths to it, where a seasonal closure could enhance protection. Establishing trust and buy-in from local fishers is crucial for compliance and effective management.

Aggregations were fished by communities for centuries without protection. Why do they need protection now?

Spawning aggregations need more protection now due to increased human population and advanced fishing technology. The global population has surged from 1 billion in 1800 to over 8 billion today, greatly increasing protein demand and fishing pressures. Technological advances have made fishing far more efficient, affecting all aspects of the process. Protection is essential to prevent further losses of these keystone components of ecosystems and human nutrition.

Do snappers and groupers that form spawning aggregations reproduce at any other place or time?

Typically, no. Information on spawning is limited, even for well-known species like snappers and groupers. However, available data suggests that most species forming spawning aggregations do not reproduce at other places or times.